Today marks the 12 year anniversary of one of the longest, continually active criminal cases in the State Fire Marshal Office’s history. In 2007 a Ruston home fire that resulted in the death of 25 year old Ronia Washington was determined to be arson and her death a homicide. Fire Marshall Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it has been a multi-agency investigation for years.
“To follow leads, to identify any potential suspects, and interview dozens and dozens of individuals with any information as recently as tips coming in 2014, but unfortunately, none of that has lead to an arrest,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue says the family is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
“Our investigator, Capt. Rusty Edwards, feels its going to take one person. One person comes in with that critical piece of information, then feels that the others that know about it will fall in line after that,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue says over the years, people have given information to investigators, but were afraid to say something.
“They are also hopeful that after all this time, maybe that time has worn on them to where their want to try to help is stronger than their fear,” said Rodrigue.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has released a video commemorating the anniversary.
